The purpose of study is to investigate the relationship between the trunk muscle fatigue and recovery time during repetitive extension by using a surface electromyogram(EMG). Ten healthy subjects particioated in a simulated lifting task with five levels of recovery time and three levels of sub-maximal contraction. EMG signals of the L1(Lumbar 1st Vertebrae) and L3(Lumbar 3rd Vertebrae) level of the erector spinae muscle were recorded. and analyzed in terms of MPF(mean power frequency) parameter to quantify the level of muscle fatigue. It was found that MPF significantly (p<0.05) decreased during repetitive extension task at 50% and 75% sub-maximal contractions. Then it took minutes for the trunk muscle to recover from fatigue during 50% sub-maximal contraction. and it took five minutes during 75% sub-maximal contraction. and it took five minutes during 75% sub-maximal contraction. The recovery time estimated by the maximum force needs to be re-evaluated for the trunk muscle to fully recover from fatigue. In conclusion. the work/rest cycle needs to be studied based upon the information of muscle fatigue in order to prevent workers from musculoskeletal injuries during repetitive lifting task.